Father’s Celebrated During Annual Parade

POUGHKEEPSIE – The City of Poughkeepsie held its annual Father’s Day Parade on Saturday. It was the first one since its founder John Flowers passed away last August at the age of 71.

The community organizer who was known for his stylish shoes and his dedication to his community was sorely missed. However, his children Frankie Flowers and Yvonne Flowers, along with the “John Flowers Elves,” worked hard to keep the event alive, and in doing so, are keeping his legacy alive.

Yvonne Flowers said it was difficult trying to organize this event as her father had all the information stored safely in his head. “I knew we had to do this. We had to keep his spirit alive. He was always giving back to his community,” she said.

It was an emotional day for Yvonne Flowers and her brother Frankie Flowers, as the day was a constant reminder that their father wasn’t there. However, they called upon their father’s spirit to help guide them and give them the strength they needed.

And so, the Father’s Day Parade tradition, originally organized by John Flowers to celebrate fathers who take an active and dedicated role in being a parent in raising their children, lived on.
The parade formed on Main Street in Poughkeepsie and the marchers made their way to Waryas Park on the riverfront. There the community gathered for a short program before enjoying food, games and music.

Yvonne Flower noted how important all the volunteers were, especially Nancy Burns. “She was very instrumental in organizing the parade. She and others like the sponsors were there for my dad. They came forward to help in any way they could.”

Frankie Flowers was thankful to everyone who came out to celebrate their father’s and helped bring the community together. “This is a community event. My father always worked hard and tried to spread happiness and love for humanity and hope. When you have hope, you feel better about your community. That’s what he wanted to do and it’s what we are trying to do.”

City of Poughkeepsie Mayor Robert Rolison told those gathered that others need to step up their game to the level of John Flowers to help the community. “The community is only as strong as the people that live in it and that volunteer in it.” Turning to Frankie and Yvonne Flowers, Rolison continued, “Thank you on behalf of the 31,000 residents of the City of Poughkeepsie for what you do every single day to make this the great city that it is.” Then he wished all the father’s a happy father’s day.

Looking up to the heavens, Yvonne Flowers said, “I know he’s looking down on us, and he’s helping to guide us.” As for next year, she plans on continuing the Father’s Day Parade tradition, vowing it will be “bigger and better.”

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